MONT VENTOUX, France (AP) — British rider Chris Froome showed why he remains the overwhelming Tour de France favorite by winning the grueling 15th stage up to Mont Ventoux to extend his lead over main rival Alberto Contador.

Froome attacked about two-thirds of the way up the mammoth 13-mile Ventoux and his brutal acceleration was too much for two-time former champion Contador. The Spaniard dropped back and finished about 1 minute, 40 seconds behind. Colombian Nairo Quintana was second.

The win means Froome effectively made up the time he lost in Friday’s sprint stage, when Contador caught him with a surprise attack.

Ventoux is one of the most famed climbs in the Tour’s 110-year history. Britain’s Tom Simpson collapsed and died on it during the 1967 Tour.

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